Grieving family break silence to pay powerful tribute to coward punch victim-as his alleged attacker faces court

The family of a young man who lost his fight for life a week after he was allegedly attacked have paid an emotional tribute to the 22-year-old as his accused attacker was released on bail.

Cameron Duce was allegedly punched by Austin Lewis Blaney Ballard, 18, on The Esplanade, in Burleigh Heads on Queensland‘S Gold Coast in the early hours of September 22, as he walked home after a night out with friends.

He was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital where doctors tried to save his life for seven days before he finally succumbed to his serious head injuries on Saturday.

Chris Duce fought back tears and thanked the medical “heroes” who tried to save his son as he gave an emotional public address Tuesday, flanked by distraught loved ones.

“Cameron was a loving, caring, thoughtful and funny young man. A beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew and cousin,” Duce said.

“He also had a very large group of close friends, friends and family who all wanted the best possible outcome for him.

“He did absolutely nothing to deserve this.”

Mr Duce said Cameron was surrounded by a wide circle of family and friends at his hospital bedside in his final days.

Cameron’s father Chris Duce (pictured center left) paid emotional tribute to his son as he was supported by distraught loved ones

“Cameron is an innocent victim through all of this. A beautiful, caring, thoughtful and loving son, brother, grandson and uncle gone far too soon,” Mr. Duce said through tears.

‘Cameron David Duce, a beautiful little boy, son and brother, taken too soon. Forever 22.”

Mr Duce has called on anyone who can assist police with the investigation to come forward.

“We know that police are conducting a thorough investigation and we trust that they will do their utmost to identify, locate and bring to justice the person(s) and anyone else responsible for the actions that caused Cameron’s traumatic and ultimately fatal head injuries. to complain,” said Duce. said.

Austin Ballard has been charged in Cameron’s death and has been released on bail

“We also know and accept that this may take some time, so we are prepared to be patient while they do their work.

“If anyone has any information, no matter how big or small, now is the time to stand up. Please come to the police.

“We ask that the community remember and remind ourselves that this type of reprehensible behavior will not and should not be tolerated in the community.”

It comes as Ballard walked out of the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday after being released on bail for an unlawful strike resulting in death.

Ballard, who was taken by waiting family members, will appear in court on November 4.